A CHILDREN’S centre in Highwoods is facing the axe in a bid to save cash.

The centre, based at The Ark, Gavin Way, is one of 11 centres across the county earmarked for closure in a bid to save Essex County Council £2.5 million by 2016.

Services at each threatened centre will be merged with a neighbouring one, in some instances several miles away, but services may continue at the closed centres on an ad hoc basis.

A consultation on the plans begins today and people have until Thursday December 5 to have their say. Any changes will come into force from April next year.

Read the full story in tomorrow's Daily Gazette.

North Essex children’s centre proposals:
 

  • Highwoods, Gavin Way - to close and merge with Beehive, Cowper Crescent, Mile End.
  • Manningtree, New Road, Mistley - to close and merge with Windmill, Mayes Lane, Ramsey.
  • ABC Together, Chingford Avenue, Clacton - to close and merge with Rainbow, Old Pier Street, Walton.
  • Little Lanes, John Ray Gardens, Black Notley - to close and merge with Seesaw, Lancaster Way, Braintree.
  • Holland Valley, Oxford Road, Clacton - will merge with the St James’ centre which runs at the same site.